Homemade Chinese Yogurt Drink: A Recipe for Refeshing Bliss

Discover a new and exciting addition to your drink collection with Chinese yogurt drinks. Lusciously sweet and tangy, these beverages are a treasured treat hailing from the Qinghai province in China. With a thriving popularity in the country, these drinks offer a delectable and wholesome substitute to sugary sodas and artificially flavored beverages.

The basics of Chinese yogurt drinks are simple: milk, sugar, and active cultures are mixed together and left to ferment for several hours. This creates a tangy, slightly thickened liquid that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with other ingredients like fruit or nuts. The drink is often served cold and can be sipped through a straw or enjoyed as a thicker, spoonable treat.

If you're interested in making your own Chinese yogurt drink, there are a few traditional ingredients and variations to consider. Cultured buttermilk is often added to the milk and sugar mixture to help kickstart the fermentation process, while walnuts or other nuts are a common topping. You can also experiment with adding fresh fruit or even seafood to your drink for a unique twist.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese yogurt drinks are a traditional dessert in Qinghai province, China, and a popular commercial beverage in the country.
• The drink is made by fermenting milk, sugar, and active cultures, and can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with other ingredients like fruit or nuts.
• Traditional ingredients include cultured buttermilk and walnuts, but you can experiment with adding your own twist to the recipe, such as seafood.

The Basics of Chinese Yogurt Drinks

If you are looking for a refreshing and healthy drink, you might want to try Chinese yogurt drinks. These drinks are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that can benefit your health. In this section, we will go over the basics of Chinese yogurt drinks, including their fermentation process and the role of milk and yogurt.

Understanding Fermentation

One of the key features of Chinese yogurt drinks is their fermentation process. Fermentation is the process of converting sugars into acids, gases, or alcohol using microorganisms. In the case of Chinese yogurt drinks, the fermentation process involves adding active cultures to milk. The active cultures convert the lactose in the milk into lactic acid, which gives the yogurt its tangy flavour and thick texture.

The Role of Milk and Yogurt

Milk is the main ingredient in Chinese yogurt drinks. It provides the nutrients and proteins that are essential for the fermentation process. The quality of the milk used in the recipe can affect the taste and texture of the final product. It is recommended to use pasteurized milk to avoid any contamination.

Yogurt is also an essential ingredient in Chinese yogurt drinks. It contains active cultures that are necessary for the fermentation process. You can use plain yogurt with active cultures or cultured buttermilk as a starter for your Chinese yogurt drink recipe.

If you are looking to add a twist to your Chinese yogurt drink recipe, you can try adding seafood. For example, you can add a small amount of dried shrimp or scallops to the mixture to give it a savoury flavour. However, be careful not to add too much seafood as it may overpower the taste of the yogurt.

In conclusion, Chinese yogurt drinks are a great way to stay healthy while enjoying a refreshing drink. With the right ingredients and fermentation process, you can create a delicious and nutritious beverage that you can enjoy any time of the day.

Traditional Ingredients and Variations

If you are looking for a refreshing drink that is packed with flavour and nutrition, Chinese yogurt drink is an excellent choice. This traditional drink is made with a combination of milk, sugar, and yogurt cultures, and it can be flavoured with a variety of fruits and sweeteners to suit your taste. Here are some of the most popular ingredients and variations that you might consider when making your own Chinese yogurt drink.

Fruit and Sweeteners

One of the most common ways to flavour Chinese yogurt drink is to add fresh fruit and sweeteners. Kiwi, peach, and blueberry are all excellent choices because they are sweet and tangy, and they pair well with the creaminess of the yogurt. You can also use honey or sugar to sweeten the drink to your liking. If you prefer a more savoury taste, you can add a pinch of salt or even some seafood, such as shrimp or crab, to the mix.

Dairy Alternatives for Vegans

If you are a vegan or lactose intolerant, you can still enjoy the delicious taste of Chinese yogurt drink by using dairy alternatives such as Greek yogurt or Skyr. These products are made from plant-based milk and are rich in protein and calcium, making them an excellent choice for those who are looking for a healthy and nutritious drink. You can also experiment with different types of non-dairy milk, such as almond or soy milk, to create your own unique flavour combinations.

In summary, Chinese yogurt drink is a versatile and delicious beverage that can be customised to suit your taste preferences. You can add a variety of fruits and sweeteners to the mix, or experiment with different dairy alternatives for a vegan-friendly version. And if you want to get really creative, you can even add some seafood to the mix for a unique and savoury twist.

Preparation Techniques

Heating and Cooling Methods

To prepare Chinese yogurt drink, you will need to heat the milk to a specific temperature. You can use a saucepan to heat the milk, but it is important to stir it continuously to prevent it from scorching. Once the milk is heated, you can cool it down to a specific temperature by either placing it in the refrigerator or using an ice bath. Cooling the milk is important as it allows the yogurt culture to thrive and ferment.

Blending for Smoothness

To make a smooth Chinese yogurt drink, you can blend the yogurt with a variety of fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, or mangoes. You can also add honey or sugar to sweeten the drink. When blending, it is important to use a high-speed blender to ensure that the drink is smooth and creamy.

To further enhance the flavour, you may also add seafood such as shrimp or crab meat to the drink. The seafood adds a unique taste that complements the tartness of the yogurt. However, it is important to use fresh seafood and cook it properly before adding it to the drink. Shrimp or crab meat can be boiled and then chilled before adding it to the drink.

Serving and Presentation

When it comes to serving and presenting your Chinese yogurt drink, there are a few things to keep in mind to make it look and taste its best.

Choosing the Right Cup and Straws

To start, choose a clear glass or cup to show off the beautiful layers of your drink. A tall glass will also make it easier to fit a straw, which is essential for sipping up every last drop of your delicious drinkable yogurt.

When it comes to straws, there are many options available, but we recommend using reusable metal or bamboo straws to reduce waste. Not only are they eco-friendly, but they also add a touch of elegance to your presentation.

Garnishing with Nuts and Seeds

Garnishing your drinkable yogurt with nuts and seeds not only adds a satisfying crunch but also provides some extra nutrients. Walnuts and almonds are great options, as they are high in iron, which is important for maintaining healthy blood cells.

If you want to get creative, you can also try adding some seafood to your garnish. Shrimp or crab meat can add a unique twist to your drink and provide a boost of protein. Just make sure to cook them properly before adding them to your drink.

Overall, serving and presenting your Chinese yogurt drink is all about getting creative and having fun. Experiment with different cups, straws, and garnishes to find your perfect combination.

Nutritional Information

If you're looking for a refreshing and healthy drink, then Chinese yogurt drink is a great option. This drink is packed with nutrients that can help you stay energized throughout the day. Here's a breakdown of the nutritional information for this delicious beverage.

Calories

A serving of Chinese yogurt drink contains around 289 calories. While this may seem like a lot, it's important to remember that this drink is meant to be a meal replacement or a snack. If you're trying to lose weight, you can always adjust the recipe to reduce the number of calories.

Protein

Protein is an essential nutrient that your body needs to build and repair tissues. A serving of Chinese yogurt drink contains around 9 grams of protein, which is a decent amount for a drink. If you want to increase the protein content of this drink, you can add some seafood such as shrimp or crab to the recipe. These seafood options are high in protein and can add a delicious flavor to the drink.

Health Benefits

Chinese yogurt drink is not only delicious, but it's also packed with health benefits. Yogurt contains live cultures that can help improve your gut health. It's also a good source of calcium, which can help keep your bones strong. If you want to add more health benefits to this drink, you can add some fruits such as strawberries or oranges. These fruits are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that can help boost your immune system.

Overall, Chinese yogurt drink is a great option if you're looking for a healthy and delicious beverage. With a few tweaks to the recipe, you can customize this drink to suit your tastes and nutritional needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you prepare a traditional Beijing-style yogurt drink?

To prepare a traditional Beijing-style yogurt drink, you will need milk, sugar, plain yogurt, and buttermilk. Heat the milk and sugar in a pot until it reaches 85-90°C. Then, let it cool down to 42-43°C before adding the yogurt and buttermilk. Mix well and pour the mixture into jars. Place the jars in a warm place for 8-12 hours until the yogurt sets.

What's the secret to making a creamy Chinese yogurt drink at home?

The secret to making a creamy Chinese yogurt drink at home is to use whole milk and to let the yogurt incubate for a longer period of time. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the milk before heating it to make it thicker.

Can you suggest some toppings that pair well with a Chinese yogurt drink?

Some toppings that pair well with a Chinese yogurt drink are fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and kiwis. You can also add nuts like almonds, cashews, and pistachios. For a savoury twist, you can add a few pieces of cooked shrimp or crab meat.

What are the health benefits of consuming a homemade Chinese yogurt drink?

Homemade Chinese yogurt drinks are a great source of probiotics, which help improve digestion and boost the immune system. They are also rich in calcium, protein, and vitamins B2 and B12.

Which are the most popular brands of Chinese yogurt drinks available?

Some of the most popular brands of Chinese yogurt drinks available are Yili, Mengniu, and Bright Dairy. These brands offer a wide range of flavours and textures, from sweet and creamy to tart and tangy.

How to create a Yomie-style rice yogurt drink in your kitchen?

To create a Yomie-style rice yogurt drink in your kitchen, you will need cooked rice, milk, sugar, and plain yogurt. Blend the cooked rice with milk and sugar until smooth. Then, add the yogurt and blend again. Pour the mixture into a jar and let it incubate for 8-12 hours until the yogurt sets. Serve chilled with your favourite toppings.